Bird feeders stocked with seed and suet draw bears in early spring. Feeders should be taken down by April 15 and kept down through October. Storing pet and livestock foods, trash and other bear attractants indoors in a garage or sturdy shed or in bear-resistant containers further reduces bear visits. Owners of poultry, goats and other small livestock can discourage bear raids by erecting electric fences.

Bears that associate homes and people with food, often return. Feeding bears, even unintentionally, is illegal and leaving attractants out around homes, cabins or camps in a manner that attracts bears can result in fines.

Some tips to remember as bears wake up and become active include:

Garbage - Store trash inside buildings or in bear-proof containers; keep secured until the day of scheduled pickup. Encourage neighbors to do the same.